Gay Teens Smoke More Than Straight Teens

Last week a new report revealed that gay teens are more likely to smoke than their straight teens.

The report, “Coming Out about Smoking: Tobacco Use in the LGBTQ Young Adult Community,” explored the reasons why sexual minority youth smoke and suggests strategies for prevention.

Teens smoke because they face many stresses — including discrimination and lack of family acceptance. In addition, many gay teens see smoking as an important social activity.
Most gay teens prefer to date nonsmokers — and even those gay teens who do smoke say they are not heavy smokers.

In order to reduce smoking rates, the report recommends intervention programs designed by youth and for youth, plus early outreach to youth smokers with emphasis on the health risks of smoking.